The Valencian Community is one of Europe's main citrus-producing areas. Thanks to its Mediterranean climate and the wide variety of crops grown, the citrus season lasts for many months, allowing you to enjoy mandarins and oranges from September until late spring.
This varietal calendar is key for both farmers and consumers, as it allows them to understand when are the different varieties of citrus fruits harvested in the Valencian Community? and how the citrus campaign is organized.
In this article, we show you the mandarin and orange harvest calendar, with the main varieties grown in the Valencia region.
When does the citrus season start?
The citrus harvest season usually begins in early fall with the first early clementines. The first varieties begin to be harvested in September, and new mandarins and oranges gradually arrive until the end of spring.
This succession of varieties allows the citrus sector to remain active for many months and consumers to find fresh citrus fruits for most of the year.
Mandarin orange harvest calendar
Mandarins usually kick off the citrus season. There are different varieties that are harvested at different times of the year.
Early mandarins
Early varieties begin to be harvested in September.
- Clemenrubí → September/October
- Oronules → September / October / November
- Loretina → September / October / November
- Marisol → September/October
These mandarins mark the start of the citrus season and are typically characterized by their good color and balanced flavor in the early months of autumn.
Mid-season mandarins
Starting in October and November, well-known varieties within the Valencian citrus sector go into production.
- Arrufatina → October/November
- Nero → October/November
- Orogrande → November / December / January
- Clemenules → October / November / December / January
The Clemenules It is one of the most emblematic varieties in the Valencian Community and one of the most widely grown thanks to its excellent quality.
Late mandarins
During the winter months, new varieties continue to arrive on the market.
- Nova → November / December / January / February
- Sando → December / January / February
- Hernandina → January/February
These varieties allow the mandarin season to be extended well into winter.
Hybrid mandarins
In addition to traditional clementines, there are hybrid mandarin varieties which are harvested in late winter and early spring.
- Tangold → January/February
- Nadorcott → January / February / March
- Safor → February / March / April
- Garbí → February / March / April
- Murcott → February / March / April
- Ortanique → February / March / April
- Orri → March/April
These varieties stand out for their high quality and for allowing the citrus season to extend over more months.
Orange harvest calendar
Oranges usually start their season a little later than mandarins. Harvesting usually begins in late fall and continues until late spring thanks to late varieties.
Early oranges
The first oranges are usually harvested between November and January.
- Navelina → November / December / January
Navelina is one of the most widely grown varieties at the start of the season.
Mid-season oranges
During the winter, highly prized varieties arrive on the market.
- Navel → December / January / February
- Lane Late → January / February / March
These varieties are known for their good balance between sweetness and acidity.
Late oranges
Late varieties allow the orange season to extend until late spring.
- Navel Late → March / April / May
- Valencia Late → April / May / June
Thanks to these varieties, it is possible to enjoy valencian oranges for many months of the year.
Why are there so many varieties of citrus fruits?
The variety of citrus fruits allows production to be spread throughout the year and prevents all the fruit from being concentrated in just a few weeks.
This facilitates:
- organize collection more efficiently
- maintain activity in warehouses and cooperatives
- offer fresh citrus fruits for longer
For citrus cooperatives such as Cocalni, the variety calendar is essential for planning the season and ensuring fruit quality.
A key calendar for the Valencian citrus sector
Citrus cultivation is part of the landscape and economy of many regions in the Valencian Community. Learn about the mandarin and orange harvest calendar helps us better understand how the citrus campaign works and why we can enjoy these fruits for so many months.
From the first clementines in September to the last late oranges in spring, the work of farmers and cooperatives ensures that citrus fruits remain one of the most representative products of our agriculture.
